Don’t Make a Bad Day Worse With Roadside — Unlock a Network of Pros with a Few Simple Clicks
No one plans for a vehicle breakdown but when they do occur, how you choose to solve the problem can make all the difference in your success rate and turnaround time. Many drivers’ think their best option is to diagnose and fix the issue themselves. DIY may be the first thought that springs to mind, but advances in vehicle design and technology have made it more complicated to address vehicle issues. If you don’t have the necessary tools or know-how, the problem is best left to a professional.
The good news is help is just a call or click away! Most drivers already have access to professional service providers through their auto insurance or vehicle roadside assistance programs. Getting back on the road quickly and safely is easier than you think and all the tools you need to get there are likely on your phone.
DIY is More Complicated (and Dangerous) Than You Think
If there is one sure thing, it is that there is no instant fix for a roadside issue. If you are handy and a fan of DIY, you may choose to try and fix the problem yourself, but that will take time, know-how, and the proper tools to diagnose and repair the issue. If you aren’t handy, but know a family member or friend who is, be prepared to wait for them to free up their schedule and get to your location with the right tools and knowledge to help.
About half of drivers who are dealing with a roadside problem like a flat tire, dead battery, or mechanical breakdown will attempt to DIY, but a third of those attempts fail and additional help will ultimately be needed1. Many roadside events simply aren’t DIY friendly and as vehicles get more advanced, so do the repairs. From key fobs to EV’s, cars are more complicated than ever. Even the routine task of changing a flat tire can be impossible as more and more vehicles no longer come equipped with a spare.
Lastly, attempting to resolve a roadside issue yourself can be a dangerous undertaking. Serious injuries can result from a DIY job gone wrong, especially in the presence of oncoming traffic, bad weather, poor visibility, small spaces, and more. At the end of the day, putting your own and other drivers or passengers’ safety on the line isn’t worth the risk.
Luckily, drivers don’t have to rely on themselves or friends and family to help when faced with a vehicle issue. Your roadside assistance program gives you access to professional service providers like tow truck drivers and mobile mechanics who are readily available to help, at any location and during any time of day. As one of the most dangerous professions in the U.S., service providers have to meet several requirements to operate including training, licensing, and certification. They are skilled at assessing the safety of a situation and determining the proper equipment required to repair the vehicle onsite or tow it from the scene when necessary.
Your Roadside Coverage Connects You to the Right Service Provider
There are over 35,000 towing businesses in the U.S. who offer round-the-clock roadside and towing services to drivers stranded on roadways, highways, parking lots, and at home. A simple Google search will provide a lengthy list of providers in your area. Picking a provider that is best for your situation is a bit more complicated.
Rates, wait times, and availability will vary from provider to provider. Ensuring you receive the best service requires you to review their prices, fleet, equipment, and customer feedback - a task no driver is willing to dedicate the time and effort to when seeking help right away.
The good news is that roadside assistance programs offer customers access to an approved network of providers, taking the burden of picking the right company off of drivers. Roadside assistance programs provided through auto manufacturers and insurance companies rely on a network of local providers to deliver timely and low cost roadside assistance to their customers in their time of need.
Tow and roadside companies are evaluated based on several criteria before they become approved members of a service provider network. Service providers must demonstrate a certain level of compliance and service quality including ETA accuracy, customer feedback, driver background checks, certificates of insurance, and more. When you use your automotive or insurance roadside assistance program, you can trust the provider that is dispatched to help you has been vetted and is accountable for the quality of the service they provide and is armed with the proper tools to fix your issue.
Providing Key Information Upfront Helps Get You The Right Type Of Help
Because roadside isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario, drivers play a critical role in getting the appropriate type of service at the right location. The information collected during your request will determine the type of truck and equipment that is dispatched, any necessary supplies like fuel that are needed, and the exact address of where the vehicle is located.
See the chart below to learn how different roadside requests determine the type of assistance providers send.
The Best Roadside Experience Starts On A Mobile App
The best way to ensure you provide all the necessary details about your vehicle breakdown is to use your roadside program’s mobile app to make the request. Typically, your policy and vehicle information are saved in the app, so you can avoid tracking down details like your policy number or VIN. This ensures all related vehicle information like make, model, and year are captured in your request. For example, if you drive an EV, your service provider will know to dispatch a flatbed truck if you require a tow.
During the mobile app request process, you will be prompted to provide critical information about your disablement like the type of service requested, details about your breakdown, where the vehicle is positioned, and where you will be when help arrives.
Using the mobile app also ensures the most accurate location tracking. Using your phone’s GPS, the app will pinpoint your location and send it to the service provider. Location tracking also enables your roadside provider to send real-time updates on your service, including tow truck location tracking.
Getting timely updates on your request through the app and via text messages helps minimize uncertainty, making the wait less stressful. Because you know when help will arrive, you can plan accordingly. While you wait, call ahead to reschedule meetings and appointments; update your loved ones on your location; and if you do require a tow - get in touch with your repair facility to determine next steps.
Get Road Ready: Prepare for Your Next Vehicle Breakdown Now
The only predictable part of roadside events is that you’ll likely have one every couple of years. Be prepared by familiarizing yourself with any roadside assistance programs you may have through your insurance provider and vehicle warranty or service contract. If you don’t have a program, get one. Adding roadside coverage to your auto insurance policy is surprisingly inexpensive and easy.
Once you understand which programs you have, download your provider’s mobile app and register your account. The next time you need roadside assistance, you can confidently request immediate assistance with just a few clicks. Rest assured, the pro that’s on their way is your best solution to get back on the road quickly and safely.
1Agero Consumer Research Study, March 2024
